Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 2:25–29

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From the Word: 25 But hold fast to what you have until I come. 26 To the one who overcomes and keeps my works until the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when clay pots are shattered—just as I have received it from my Father. 28 And I will give him the Morning Star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:25–29)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism

The Third Petition

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it will also be done among us.

How is this done?

God’s will is done when he hinders and destroys every evil design and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature that would keep us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his kingdom. And God’s will is done when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith to the end of our earthly lives. This is his good and gracious will.

Pulling It Together: What does love desire? A large, fine house? A car with a big red bow atop it on Christmas morning? Diamonds? Dinner and a movie every week? Each is more absurd than the next. Anyone who has ever been in love knows the supreme gift is one’s heart. Giving oneself to their true love is the highest measure of love.

So, what would it be that the church’s true love, Christ Jesus, would require of us but our hearts? And how do we give him our hearts but by remaining faithful to him, like any loving spouse does. We do not give our hearts to other gods, nor to any activities that would take us away from him. We are to be fully devoted to the Lord, not half-hearted. We are commanded to love the Lord our God with the whole heart (Matt 22:37). This is God’s good and gracious will, that when we have little else to give him, we give him what he desires most. We give him our hearts by being faithful to him alone until the end. 

Then, at that ending of all things temporal, Christ Jesus, the bright and Morning Star (Rev 22:16), will give us himself in glory.  

Prayer: I love you, O Lord of my heart. Amen.

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The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.


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